Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an at least partially biodegradable implant suitable for implantation into a subject for repairing a bone or cartilage defect, comprising a matrix forming an open-celled structure having a plurality of interconnected spaces, whereas the channels of the matrix are substantially completely filled with metallic material particles, and wherein at least one of the metallic material or the matrix material is at least partially degradable in-vivo. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for repairing a bone or cartilage defect in a living organism, comprising implanting an implant according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention into the defective bone or cartilage, or replacing the defective bone or cartilage at least partially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic open knit fabric (10) made as a single piece, based on an arrangement consisting of several sets of yarns of a biocompatible polymer material, comprising, continuously in the direction of production of the knit, a central strip (11) and two lateral strips (12), one on each side of the central strip, characterized in that it comprises one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns defining a pillar stitch pattern, the said one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns extending across the entire width of the central strip (11) and of the lateral strips (12) and together forming a first threading across the width of the central strip and a second threading across the width of the lateral strips, the said first and second threading being different, and at least two partial weft stitching sets. The present invention also relates to a method of producing such a knit fabric and to an implant for supporting prolapses obtained from such a knit fabric.

Abstract: An implant comprises a structure that may be implanted into tissue and that has a first material property at normal body temperature. The first material property is variable at elevated temperatures above normal body temperature. The implant also has a plurality of particles dispersed in the structure that are adapted to convert incident radiation into heat energy when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The particles are in thermal contact with the structure such that exposure of the particles to incident radiation raises the temperature of the structure thereby changing the first material property relative to the first material property at normal body temperature.

Abstract: The present invention describes an implantable tissue lifting and fixation device. More particularly, the present invention describes a temporal brow lifting device comprises of a bio-absorbable supportive backing. The device has a shape of a curvilinear end and a tail end region. The curvilinear end region comprises a plurality of attachment points protruding from the supportive backing, and the tail region comprises of a plurality of cavities in order to secure the device at the desired elevated position in the deep temporal fascia. The plurality of attachment points distributes tension in a multi-vector direction over the contact area between the device and the tissue. The attachment points can be manufactured separately and attached, however, preferably, the attachment points are made integral with the temporal brow lifting device.

Abstract: A coating for an orbital implant where the coating has an anterior portion having a different, longer term bioabsorbability than a posterior portion. This allows the implant to have a smooth surface for insertion and to provide reduced irritation to neighboring tissues, to help prevent exposure of the porous core of the implant, and to provide a stable anchorment for extraocular muscles, but which also encourages rapid fibrovascular ingrowth. The coating is marked with a visual indicator to facilitate proper orientation. Shell materials are further selected to allow for sterile packaging, the securing of therapeutic agents thereon, and to provide adequately strong securing of the coating to the core. Apertures are formed through the coating to enhance fluid flow to and from the core, and to provide exposure of the surface of the core to extraocular muscles, and for sutures. The apertures are sized and shaped to reduce irritating surface contact with orbital tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect including a first composite structure including at least one layer of a non-absorbable material, wherein the first composite structure has a central portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the tissue or muscle wall defect, and has an outer periphery. The prosthesis further includes a second structure having a reinforced central region and an outer peripheral edge, a reinforcing element positioned between the first and second structures, and having an outer periphery and a stiffness greater than that of the first and second structures, and at least one pulling element coupled to the reinforced central region of the second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure substantially only at their respective peripheries.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for minimizing the risks inherent in endovascular grafting for blood vessel therapy and repair. The invention involves delivering adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, or smooth muscle cells to the diseased blood vessel.

Abstract: Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body.

Abstract: A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than a degradation rate of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. And, the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon exposure of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: A device for tissue reinforcement. The device has a macroporous structure. At least a section of the macroporous structure is coated with a microporous coating. The microporous and macroporous morphologies allow both cell in-growth and tissue integration.

Abstract: A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.

Abstract: A prosthetic testicle is provided that is able to mimic the movement and feel of a natural testicle while at the same time being able to remodel itself into native tissue. Additionally, the prosthetic testicle is able to provide long-term delivery of drugs into the patient.

Abstract: A method for repairing bone in a bone cavity delimited by healthy bone faces, and from which traumatized bone has been excised, comprises adjusting a flexible, biocompatible mesh fabric tube to fit the bone cavity and contact the healthy bone faces and filling the mesh tube with a bone graft. A bioresorbable coating is applied to the tube to rigidify the tube having been adjusted in shape to fit the bone cavity. The coating seals the mesh against graft movement through the mesh of the tube until the bioresorbable coating has been resorbed. The tube is inserted within the bone cavity and the coating is resorbed to allow the graft to pass from the interior of the tube, through the mesh, to the healthy bone faces.

Abstract: An x-ray marker for medical implants made of a biocorrodible metallic material, the x-ray marker comprises a boride or carbide of the elements tantalum or tungsten.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a bioabsorbable, implantable substrate having a graded molecular weight distribution, comprising exposing at least a portion of the implantable substrate to electron beam irradiation. There is also provided a bioabsorbable, implantable substrate comprising a bioabsorbable polymer having a graded molecular weight distribution through at least a portion of its thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resorbable polymeric mesh implant, that is intended to be used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant comprises at least a first and a second material, wherein the second material is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the first material following the time of implantation. The mesh implant is adapted to have a predetermined modulus of elasticity that gradually is decreased until the mesh implant is completely degraded and subsequently resorbed. Due to the gradual decrease in the modulus of elasticity of the inventive mesh implant, the regenerating tissue may gradually take over the load applied to the tissue defect area.

Abstract: Implantable medical endoprostheses, such as stents, are disclosed.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated from branched polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: A fully or partially bioresorbable orthopedic implant to provide support along a load-bearing axis and a method for producing the same. The implant may include an implant body and a reinforcement material, where the reinforcement material is integrated into the implant body and oriented to provide support along one or more load-bearing axes. The reinforcement material may include a rate of bioresorption that is less than a rate of bioresorption associated with the implant body. In this manner, the fully or partially bioresorbable orthopedic implant of the present invention may facilitate bone ingrowth while providing increased mechanical strength, increased load-bearing capacity, increased bone ingrowth, and decreased propensity for fracture.

Abstract: To provide an organism absorbency tube for regenerating nerve tissue and a production method thereof, where the low cost tube can produce easier than a conventional one, various kinds of the different thickness tubes, inner diameters and outer shapes can be easily formed. The tube produces by drying polymer solvent to form sheet-like organism absorbency polymer material; cylindrically rolling thus material to form an overlapped sheet part; heat or solvent meld sealing at least a portion around an end edge on the outer peripheral side thereof. Or a two layers structure tube produces by freeze-drying polymer solvent to form the material; cylindrically rolling thus material; non-freeze-drying polymer solvent to form the high material; cylindrically wrapping thus material around the freeze-dried polymer material to form the sheet part; and heat or solvent meld sealing at least a portion around an edge on the outer peripheral side thereof.

Abstract: Bioresorbable medical implants are designed to have different resorption rates over time or over the topography of the implants. The resorption of the medical implants are controlled by including layers having differing resorption rates. The layers resorb sequentially over time through sequential exposure to body fluids. A resorption-controllable medical implant includes a series of two or more layers. The first layer includes a first bioresorbable material. The second layer includes a second bioresorbable material and resorbable particles of a first kind dispersed within the second bioresorbable material. Additional layers of bioresorbable material alone or including resorbable particles may be added to slow or speed resorption and achieve desired control over the resorption of the implant. Resorbable particles can be added in differing amounts or kinds in various segments of the implant to provide topographically differing resorption rates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bioengineered tubular graft prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or for use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: The invention is related to biomimetic gels that are prepared enzymatically, using a transglutaminase to cross-link polymer-peptide conjugates of rational design.

Abstract: A biologically resorbable nerve guide rail with a microporous guide tube of polymers of hydroxycarboxylic acids, where the porosity allows a metabolism through the tube wall, but prevents the passage of cells, and optionally several monofilaments of polymers of hydroxycarboxylic acids located in the guide tube, is characterized in that the inner surface of the tube and/or the surface of the monofilaments have an orientation aid for longitudinally oriented colonization with Schwann's cells.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments is encased in an elastic membrane to form a thin-walled stent. The stent is sized to be snugly fitted in the proximate portion of the duodenum of a patient, to induce weight loss by limiting uptake of food passing through the stent. After a predetermined period, the stent degrades and passes from the body without surgical intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an implant, with the implant possessing a textured foreign structure. A porous protein matrix is at least partially anchored in the textured foreign structure, with the porous protein matrix possessing a directional pore structure.

Abstract: A biodegradable auricular prosthetic device is described, particularly but not exclusively devised for the treatment of otitis media, comprising a tubular body having axially opposed ends and flanged at least at one of the opposed ends and at least a portion of which is produced from a material subject to biological degradation in the presence of organic liquids, wherein at least the portion made of material subject to biological degradation is produced from a polymeric material selected from the group of polyphosphazenes.

Abstract: A stent for treatment of a body lumen through which a flow is effected on either side of a sphincter, said stent comprising one or more windings and having an inner core substantially covered by an outer core and including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the segments. When the stent is positioned within a patient's urinary system, the first segment and second segments are located on either side of the external sphincter to inhibit migration of the stent while not interfering with the normal functioning of the sphincter. The outer coating comprises an absorbable material that provides temporary structural support to the stent. After absorption of substantially all the outer coating of the stent, the remaining relatively compliant inner core facilitates easy removal by the patient by pulling a portion of the stent that extends outside the patient's body for this purpose.

Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.

Abstract: A resorbable interbody fusion device for use in spinal fixation is disclosed. The device is composed of 25–100% bioresorbable or resorbable material. The interbody fusion device of the invention can be in any convenient form, such as a wedge, screw or cage. Preferably, the resorbable device of the invention is in the shape of a tapered wedge or cone, which further desirably incorporates structural features such as serrations or threads better to anchor the device in the adjoining vertebrae. The preferred device further comprises a plurality of peripheral voids and more desirably a central void space therein, which may desirably be filled with a grafting material for facilitating bony development and/or spinal fusion, such as an autologous grafting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial dura mater which comprises an amorphous or low crystallinity polymer as a constituent component and which prevents the cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restoring bone in the body of humans or animals in connection with an existing structure, a bone implant or some other prosthetic construction, as well as a method for restoring bone. The bone restoring preparation consists of an easily handleable and controllable preparation (composition) of resorbable calcium phosphate granules and a carrier of a biopolymer or lipid type. The preparation is intended to be applied in the position where the bone needs to be replaced, reinforced or built up, especially in connection with a bone implant or some other prosthetic construction where there is a lack of sufficient bone volume, or where the quality of the bone is too poor to allow a load-carrying function, for example permanent fixing of an implant.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional, biocompatible, porous scaffold structure using a solid freeform fabrication technique (referred to herein as robocasting) that can be used as a medical implant into a living organism, such as a human or other mammal. Imaging technology and analysis is first used to determine the three-dimensional design required for the medical implant, such as a bone implant or graft, fashioned as a three-dimensional, biocompatible scaffold structure. The robocasting technique is used to either directly produce the three-dimensional, porous scaffold structure or to produce an over-sized three-dimensional, porous scaffold lattice which can be machined to produce the designed three-dimensional, porous scaffold structure for implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue scaffold implant devices useful in the repair and/or regeneration of diseased and/or damaged musculoskeletal tissue and that include a tissue scaffold component fixedly attached to a scaffold fixation component via at least one of sutures, fabrics, fibers, threads, elastomeric bands, reinforcing elements and interlocking protrusions for engaging and maintaining the scaffold component fixedly attached to the fixation component.

Abstract: A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments is encased in an elastic membrane to form a thin-walled stent. The stent is sized to be snugly fitted in the proximate portion of the duodenum of a patient, to induce weight loss by limiting uptake of food passing through the stent. After a predetermined period, the stent degrades and passes from the body without surgical intervention.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable modular drug delivery devices having shapes and sizes adapted to be inserted within a mating receptacle on the surface of an implantable prosthesis are disclosed. The devices may be attached to one another to create custom drug delivery devices having controllable drug release characteristics that depend on the composition of individual modules comprising the device. The modules may be cylinders, disks, tiles or tubes comprised of a bioabsorbable polymer and a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent(s) may be homogeneously distributed throughout the polymeric body of the device or contained within a cavity within a module comprising the device, or both. The device(s) may be threaded or attached to a prosthesis by a biodegradable adhesive. The modular devices may also be formed into tapered plugs for insertion into a mating receptacle.

Abstract: A hybrid medical implant having a biocompatible, nonabsorbable core portion and a bioabsorbable textured outer surface portion overlying the core portion. The hybrid implant is useful as a prosthesis for tissue augmentation and/or reconstruction. The core portion of the implant includes a body formed from a nonabsorbable, biocompatible implantable material such as silicone or urethane elastomer. The core portion may be either a solid body, a viscous gel body or a fluid-filled shell. The textured outer surface portion envelops the core portion and presents an irregular, bioabsorbable textured surface to the exterior environment. As a capsule forms around the implant following implantation, the irregular contour of the outer surface of the implant disorients structural proteins in the capsule to impede spherical contraction thereof. Either during the formation of the capsule and/or after the capsule is formed, the outer bioabsorbable surface portion of the implant is absorbed by the body of the host.

Abstract: A porous three-dimensional bone grafting matrix is provided which is biodegradable. The matrix is preferably formed from mineralized collagen where the mineral comprises particulate calcium phosphate immobilized in the matrix and having a particle size of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Repairs of cartilage defects or of cartilage/bone defects in human or animal joints with the help of devices including a bone part (1), a cartilage layer (2) and a subchondral bone plate (4) or an imitation of such a plate in the transition region between the cartilage layer (2) and the bone part (1). After implantation, the bone part (4) is resorbed and is replaced by reparative tissue only after being essentially totally resorbed. In a critical phase of the healing process, a mechanically inferior cyst is located in the place of the implanted bone part (1).

Abstract: An inguinal hernia repair device in the form of an implantable plug that is affixed at one end to the center region of a sheet of implantable material. The plug takes the form of a plurality of hollow members, arranged so as to be in substantially parallel relationship when implanted into a defect. The hollow members are preferably tubular members and are preferably bundled together by various means, such as bonding or wrapping a band or strand about the plurality of hollow members to maintain them in adjacent and contacting relationship during insertion into a defect.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a combination of one or more dynamic structural elements and one or more non-dynamic structural elements and having a first structural form immediately after deployment in a body, the device adapted to change in vivo to a second structural form due to a change induced in the one or more dynamic structural elements without releasing debris greater than a predetermined size. An exemplary device may comprise at least one biodegradable element contained radially between a first confining member and a second confining member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant, especially a breast implant, which is made of a biocompatible material with a pore structure. The biocompatible material is preferably designed to be reabsorbable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable medical device, the device contraining a body and a first lubricated surface for contacting tissue, or a second surface of the device, or a surface of a second medical device, the implantable device fabricated at least in part from a biocompatible, biodegradable composition, the composition containing a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer and a biocompatible, biodegradable wax, wherein the concentration of the wax at the first lubricated surface of the implantable device is greater than the concentration of the wax in the body of the implantable device, and to methods of making the device wherein the device is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the wax, greater than the glass transition temperature of the polymer, and lower than melting point of the polymer, thereby providing the lubricated surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral disc includes an upper fusion member gradually fused and secured to an upper vertebra, a lower fusion member gradually fused and secured to a lower vertebra, and a restorable cushioning coupler retained in between the upper and lower fusion members, whereby upon bending or twisting of a patient's spine, the upper and the lower fusion members may be flexibly moved with each other for enhancing a free movement of the patient's spine and body, as safely resiliently cushioned and easily restored by the cushioning coupler in between the upper and lower fusion members.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. Said suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic implant and method for producing a customized prosthetic implant for use in fully or partially replacing bone and/or tissue in a human or animal. The custom prosthetic implant is produced by obtaining information about the site of implant for the prosthetic implant, processing the obtained information to generate information on the size and shape of the prosthetic implant, and transferring at least a portion of the generated information to a molding machine to at least partially form the custom prosthetic implant from a moldable compound.

Abstract: An invention relating to a method for the delivery, or placement, of, for example, a voice prosthesis into a puncture. A flexible flange provided on an outside surface of the device is temporarily resiliently deflected into a delivery orientation so the device can be delivered. Once delivered, the retainer holding the flange in the delivery orientation is removed so the flange can extend out to the use orientation.

Abstract: A porous three-dimensional tissue repair matrix is provided which is biodegradable. The matrix is preferably formed from mineralized collagen where the mineral comprises particulate calcium phosphate immobilized in the matrix.